Changed

by Jean Booth

  I cursed Raif for not telling me of the whole prophecy and then leaving me. I cursed Stephan for allowing me to fall in love with him. We could never be together—neither of us would merge with another again after the loss of our mates. Finally, I cursed myself for my foolishness. Only I could be so naïve as to believe that a soul mate would be the end of my perpetual loneliness. There were never any guarantees in life, happiness being top on that list.

  I cried for all the loss in my life. I released all the pain with the tears that streamed down my face and onto the marble tile that was so cold against my overly heated body. I stayed on the cold marble floor, weeping for everything I’d ever wanted in life and would never have. I hadn’t cried since the night Raif died and didn’t realize how desperately I needed the release. I cried so hard my muscles stiffened. I was finally at the end of my tears when I felt a pair of strong arms scoop me up.

  Stephan lifted me from the floor and carried me to the fluffy canopy bed he’d picked out for me. I clung to him as tightly as I could, not willing to let him go. He winced slightly. I’d forgotten that I was stronger now, even as emotionally depleted as I was. He murmured some nonsensical words, and I loosened my grip. He set me down, intending to leave as soon as I was covered. I pulled him in next to me, needing his comfort more than I cared about propriety. He curled in next to me, and I finally relaxed. Clutching me close to his chest, he rubbed my back in slow, random circles.

  I was content for the first time in a very long time. We both fell into a much needed sleep, pretending for just a moment that we were allowed to be together.

  A week went by, and while I still had nightmares, I hadn’t attacked anyone since. Stephan returned to his room and his duties, leaving me to do what I wanted in the club. I was weak, my body still recuperating from the massive change it had gone through. Neither one of us knew what I’d be capable of once I fully recovered, but Stephan promised to help me learn control.

  He and I were now the two most powerful beings on the planet. It was strange to think of myself in that light, especially since I could barely function. Remembering Stephan’s story about his change, I had a deep-seated respect for him. I couldn’t fathom fighting in my current state. His rage must have been a truly terrible thing for him to be able to withstand this transformation alone.

  With lightness to my steps, I bathed, dressed, and went downstairs for breakfast. I was finally capable of starting my new life, to see what the future held. I was smiling as I walked into the small kitchen behind the bar. This place was filled with hidden hallways and rooms. It amazed me that the general public never became aware of any of the things going on behind the dance floor. I inhaled deeply as I walked into the kitchen. John was making cupcakes.

  “Natasha! I’m so glad to see you up and about. How are you? You look wonderful.” He gave me a big hug as I came around the counter. I sat on a stool to lick the chocolate off the spatula.

  “I’m okay,” I replied tentatively, smiling with the realization that it was true. I was okay. I was healing. “I’m starving. Do you have any breakfast left?” He laughed.

  “I love having a Changer in the house. One breakfast coming up!” Grinning and chatting about nonsense, he started making a feast.

  We hung out in the kitchen as I ate, and he continued to bake. John loved to cook. It was his not-so-secret pastime, and he excelled at it. He typically made all the meals for the non-vampires of the house, but as those were few and far between, he hadn’t practiced his calling as often as he’d like until I came. I loved to eat. We made a great pair. Casually, I brought up a subject that’d been previously avoided.

  “I was thinking about going to the house today. Do you think Stephan could spare you for a few hours to go with me?”

  John paled at my question. Neither of us had left the sanctuary of the club without vampiric supervision since we’d been abducted. John still sported a wicked scar on his chest from what his brother had done to him. I needed to know that the place I loved, the place I wanted to call home, was still safe. I had to show him he’d be safe there too, because I was hoping he’d come with me.

  “Are you sure you’re ready for that?” he whispered.

  “It’s my home. I need to know that it’s safe. Come with me?”

  I had a special bond with John, whether he felt it or not. He was mine, my human to protect and care for. I wasn’t sure when or how it had happened, but I knew without a doubt that John belonged to me. I felt strange having proprietary feelings toward him but knew they didn’t extend further than that. It was a bond I’d never felt before. He was mine, and I would protect any family he chose to have. I hid my smile as he sighed, knowing he’d come with me so we could face our fears together.

  “Stephan’s not going to like this.”

  An hour later, I was learning just how right John was. Stephan paced his office as he yelled at me.

  “No.” His tone was fierce. “Absolutely not. You’re not ready.”

  “I’ll be fine,” I said, but he wasn’t listening.

  “You have no idea what your new abilities are. What happens if you call the earth and swallow John in the yard?” A smirk curled on my lips as he started cursing at me in Atlantean. He only did that when I’d really ticked him off, and I found it hilarious.

  “Come with us then,” I interjected as he paused to catch his breath.

  “You know I can’t do that right now. Victoria’s still missing, and the Werewolves are still upset about the twin’s death.” I winced at that, knowing both issues were my fault.

  Victoria saw me curled in Stephan’s arms after Raif died. She left Stephan’s kiss, going rogue, the night I became whole. The only thing Stephan and I could figure was that she’d listened to his heart-wrenching pleas for me to return to him. She’d expressed infatuation to Stephan on more than one occasion, and I guessed that hearing him profess his love for another was more than she could take. We hadn’t heard from her since, and Stephan was a mess.

  He’d claimed her just as I’d claimed John. His feelings toward her never extended past protector and mentor. She was his responsibility, one he cared deeply for. He took his role seriously, never truly understanding the depth of the feelings she had for him.

  The twins he referred to were Tommy and Ben. They weren’t part of Nicholas’s clan, but hired help from the Werewolf clan. Autochthon, Auto as he was called now, was their leader and was angry with Stephan for killing them. Stephan was trying to keep my involvement out of it and spread the news that Nicholas and his clan were destroyed in a turf war.

  It was apparently something that happened every so often, so it wouldn’t come as any surprise. Those that were killed that weren’t part of the clan were supposed to be returned to their home clans to be disposed of by the respective clan leader. As there wasn’t anything left of the bodies, Stephan couldn’t return them to Auto. He now owed Auto compensation, but Stephan was resisting, feeling it wasn’t justified because of what the twins had done to me. As he wasn’t willing to divulge that information to anyone outside those that already knew, it was causing frustration between the two alphas.

  It was a gigantic mess, one I thought could be easily resolved if Stephan just told Auto what happened. The Werewolf clan wasn’t known to look kindly toward torture. Stephan kept telling me he wanted to protect me from having to continue to relive that pain.

  “I have to go back to the house, Stephan,” I whispered, pleading with him to hear what I couldn’t say. I had to go back to that house and face my fears, know that I was safe and could protect myself. I had to know it was over.

  He looked at me then, really looked at me, not through me like he’d been doing lately. Slowly, he nodded. I gave him a timid smile. I knew eventually I’d have to go back to Nicholas’s compound, to see for myself that it really was destroyed, but I wasn’t ready for that. My wounds still needed more time to heal. Visiting my house was a step in that direction. He grabbed my hand as I turned to go. His voice was tig
ht with fear as he spoke.

  “Please be careful. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you again.” He placed his other hand on my cheek, moving to run his fingers through my hair. I smiled at him, fighting the attraction that threatened to break through the pain I still felt.

  “I’ll be back by nightfall,” I said, impulsively kissing him goodbye. His lips were moist and soft. I pulled away before it went any further, blood boiling with passion in my veins.

  John and I arrived at the house almost an hour later, pale and trembling. I looked over at him and tried to appear encouraging and strong.

  “You don’t have to do this, you know. No one would blame you for being uneasy here and never wanting to come back.” John tried one last time to convince me to abandon my quest. He only succeeded in strengthening my resolve.

  “I would,” I said, climbing out of the car before my nerves could change my mind.

  The house was spectacular in the late afternoon sun. The workers had finished everything I’d asked, and I knew the furniture was inside. I closed my eyes, breathing in the warm, moist air and listening to the sounds around me. I could smell the fragrant flowers John and I had planted over the scents of pine and grass. The musky, thick scent of pond water blended with chemicals to kill mosquitos tantalized my nose, reminding me of when I’d played here with Stephan. The birds called, frogs croaked, and crickets started singing their songs.

  I found the peaceful serenity I’d remembered.

  I heard John’s door open and felt a small smile tug at my lips. I walked into the house, my steps renewed with the peaceful existence of the Everglades. John sighed behind me, running to catch up. I could feel nervous waves of energy radiating off him, but he was trying to be as strong as me. I winked at him, enjoying the confused look he gave me.

  The house sparkled under the glow of the electric lighting. I breathed a sigh of relief. I was home.

  When I first decided I would write a book about supernatural beings, Changed was closer to what I had in mind than Choice. I never intended to write something nearly as erotic as Choice. I wanted action, adventure, and mystery. What Natasha had in mind for me was something entirely different. I’m glad it came out like it did.

  There are so many people who helped me get to this point, and without them, I’d have given up and gone back to nursing, where my life was stressful, annoying, and safe. To those who’ve encouraged me, and continue to ask for the next installment, thank you. You have no idea what your kind words do to soothe the soul.

  For my dad and stepmom, your support means the world to me, and one of these days, I’ll write a story Dad won’t get creeped out by. Bryan, you mean the world to me, and I thank you for giving me the space and time I need to write, even if you don’t understand why I like it so much.

  Always, and most importantly, thank you to my fans—without your support and encouragement I wouldn’t be here. You guys rock!

  Thanks to Joni and Vern from BHC Press for everything you do to make the books look amazing—I’m constantly stunned by the work you do.

  Last, thanks to my editor, Abi. You are able to get into the insanity that is my head and help clarify what I’m trying to say. I both love and hate you, but mostly love. A relationship between editor and author is complex, and I hope ours lasts for a long time. Thanks for all you do.

  I hope you enjoyed this installment of the Origin series. Origin Shorts, Created, Consumed, and Convergence are next. I never intended to write from anyone’s perspective besides Natasha’s, but Victoria’s story begged to be told. That and the shorts were never intended to be part of this series, but without them, this wouldn’t be nearly as amazingly fun as it is. Convergence is kicking my tail—so many voices, so many things happening, not sure what to focus on first. We’ll get there, and Atlantis is sure to bring some excitement once she breaches the surface.

  Thank you.

  Jean

  Jean Booth resides in Nevada with her husband and cats. When she’s not out risking her neck on the back of her motorcycle, she enjoys the calmer activities of reading, gardening, and spending time with her friends and family. She worked in health care for most of her adult life before deciding to finally share the stories that have been living in her head.

  To find out more about Origins and to see what’s coming soon, visit her author website or her publisher’s website:

  www.jeanbooth.com

  www.bhcpress.com